Preparation and characterization of MOF-PES ultrafiltration membranes

Fouling is one of the main disadvantages of membrane processes. Fouling can be mitigated by incorporating inorganic particles into the membrane. Composite membranes containing the inorganic fillers show higher pore size, porosity, and hydrophilic character than the neat PES membrane, which contributes to a better permeability. In this research, PES ultrafiltration membranes are prepared using both commercial and synthesized metal-organic framework materials (MOF) as well as ZnO particles as fillers. Among the different fillers used, MOF particles produce a better effect on the permeability of the membrane than ZnO particles. The synthesized Zn/Co-MOF-74-type materials have good structural stability in the polymeric matrix and the MOF-PES membrane maintains its performance after a series of cycles of BSA water solution. Tested MOF-PES membrane also shows higher BSA rejections and permeate flux than the neat PES membrane, demonstrating that it is possible to enhance the flux without losing the selectivity of the membrane. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41633.